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| This is just 5 minutes from the 405 freeway! |
I attended my first Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA) production here last summer, and it was A Midsummer Night's Dream infused with some rockabilly tunes that sounded straight out of the 1950s. So, when I heard that this year's offering was a 1920s-inspired Romeo and Juliet, I was intrigued.
I am thrilled to say that this production did not disappoint. Performed in the round, the cast held the audience's attention for three hours and even occasionally ventured into the crowd to involve an audience member in the action. The set is bare bones, but it did not seem to matter because the acting was so good. And it does not hurt that Juliet is played by a gorgeous gal who looks like Rihanna!
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| Jack Mikesell (Romeo) & Christina Elmore (Juliet) (photo credit: Michael Lamont) |
Being a huge Art Deco fan, it was cool to see this classic story of star-crossed lovers set against a backdrop of 1920s Los Angeles, with Romeo and Juliet being from warring newspaper families. "My only love sprung from my only hate!" proclaims Juliet, in flapper headband, drop-waist dress, and t-strap shoes. She sports beach pajamas (big in the twenties) in one scene, while the guys stroll around in gangster suits and tilted fedoras. And there is a great moment at a party when the guests do the Charleston!
Back in the day, we had to watch Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 version of Romeo and Juliet in one of my classes, and of course there was Baz Luhrmann's 1996 take on The Bard with Leo and Clare Danes. If you love Shakespeare and live theatre, I think you will really enjoy this fresh take on the story, and it is nice that the dialogue remains unchanged ("With a kiss, I die." *I attempt to cry quietly into my scarf.*)
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| A river runs through it. |
Things to know:
1. Come early and picnic! A lot of local markets (like Gelson's) will pack a meal for you. Bring a blanket, as the tables tend to fill up quickly and you might end up on the ground.
2. There is ample parking, but if you end up in one of the overflow lots you will take a small hike up a little hill and then walk down a dirt path, so you might want to opt for comfortable shoes with a closed-toe.
3. Dress casual and stylish; this is a hip crowd. Layers are good, as it might be warm when you arrive but cool off quickly when the sun goes down.
Shakespeare Center of LA's Romeo and Juliet is playing through July 26. For tickets, call 213.893.8293 or click here.
